Its residents and business owners have starred in a new TV documentary – and now a bid has been launched to clean up one of Cardiff’s busiest streets.

City Road featured in the BBC Wales show of the same name, but some political activists believe the small screen also exposed that more could be done to spruce it up.

It was the focus of political attention earlier this year when Ukip’s Gareth Bennett – since elected as an AM for South Wales Central – said City Road was the area of Cardiff which had changed the most.

'Melting pot'

Mr Bennett cited “a melting pot of different races all getting on each other’s nerves” which caused “hygiene problems” there. The comments sparked an angry backlash.

But now local Lib Dems have begun a petition in a bid to drum up support for a number of improvements.

They say they want to clean up the streets by providing more bins, improving what is available to pedestrians and cyclists and dealing with derelict sites including the former Gaiety cinema.

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“The BBC documentary examining the lives of City Road’s residents and business owners has shown just how vibrant and diverse our community is,” said Robin Rea.

“Residents will look at high streets in areas like Pontcanna and Whitchurch and think that quite frankly City Road could be much better.

“I want City Road to become a great, welcoming destination, and one which sits well amongst its local community.

“The diversity and quality of the restaurants and shops that are already in the street show what potential is has to be a great asset to the area. Just think how much more attractive it could be with a pleasant environment, clean surroundings and safer routes to walk and cycle.”

'More needs to be done'

It is a move which has been greeted by Nawfal al-Kelaby, the owner of La Shish restaurant, who has been in City Road since 1994.

“The population has increased and the demographics have changed, but more needs to be done,” he said.

“It looks very shabby. There is a lot of student accommodation being built around City Road and the state of road gives a bad impression of the whole of the city.